The passage from Ephesians (1:4-5, 9-10) often raises questions among Christians. What does it mean that He "hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world"? What is this "mystery of His will" that God has made known to us?
These verses are not just complex theology. They are the foundation of our salvation and our confidence in God. Let's explore this theme throughout the entire Bible and see how Scripture reveals the divine plan for us.
I. Chosen Before the Beginning: Who Was Chosen and Why?
The Apostle Paul begins with a powerful statement: our salvation is rooted in eternity. It is neither an accident nor our own doing.
Ephesians 1:4-5 (KJV): "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will."
If we turn to other epistles, we see this idea repeated multiple times:
· 2 Thessalonians 2:13 (KJV): "...God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth."
Commentary: Here, the means of this choice is specified: sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. God didn't just choose abstract people; He determined the path of their salvation.
· 2 Timothy 1:9 (KJV): "Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began."
Commentary: The key phrase is "before the world began." This excludes the idea that God was reacting to our future merits. He acted on His own initiative (His purpose).
· Romans 8:29-30 (KJV): "For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son... Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified."
Commentary: This is the so-called "golden chain of salvation." Predestination is inseparably linked to God's foreknowledge, calling, justification, and final glorification.
II. The Mystery Hidden for Ages: What is God's Plan?
In Ephesians 1:9, Paul speaks of the revelation of a "mystery." In ancient times, the mysteries of pagan cults were hidden from the uninitiated. The Christian "mystery," however, is something God reveals to all people.
Ephesians 1:9-10 (KJV): "Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: that in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him."
What is the essence of this mystery?
· Colossians 1:26-27 (KJV): "Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints... which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."
Commentary: The mystery is not just information, but a Person. Jesus Christ living in believers. The union of heaven and earth begins now, within us.
· Romans 16:25-26 (KJV): "...according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest... made known to all nations for the obedience of faith."
Commentary: Another aspect of the mystery is the inclusion of the Gentiles (all nations) into one family of God.
III. Gathering All Things in Christ: The Future of Creation
The text in Ephesians speaks of a grand goal: to "gather together in one all things in Christ." This is not just a church union, but a cosmic event.
· Colossians 1:16-20 (KJV): "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth... and he is before all things, and by him all things consist... And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven."
Commentary: This passage is the perfect parallel to Ephesians 1:10. It explains how the unification happens: through the Cross.
· 1 Corinthians 15:24-28 (KJV): "Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father... that God may be all in all."
Commentary: This is the end of history. Christ's Lordship leads creation to complete unity with the Father.
· Philippians 2:9-11 (KJV): "...that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth."
Commentary: Gathering all things under the headship of Christ means the universal recognition of His authority.
IV. The Purpose of Election: Holiness, Not Pride
It is important to remember why we were chosen. Ephesians 1:4 states: "that we should be holy and without blame before him." The doctrine of predestination should not lead to spiritual laziness or pride, but to a holy life.
· 1 Peter 1:15-16 (KJV): "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."
Commentary: Holiness is not the condition for being chosen, but the goal of being chosen. We were chosen to become like Him.
· 1 Peter 1:20 (KJV): (Christ) "Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you."
Commentary: If Christ was destined for sacrifice before the foundation of the world, then the plan of salvation was not an improvisation by God in response to the fall. It was conceived from the very beginning.
Conclusion
The teaching of Ephesians 1:4-10 permeates the entire Bible. It tells us that our faith has a solid foundation, not in our weak efforts, but in the eternal plan of a loving God.
This plan includes:
1. Election (2 Thess. 2:13) — God desired us before we knew Him.
2. Redemption (Col. 1:14) — He paid the price for our rescue.
3. Reconciliation (Col. 1:20) — He destroyed the enmity and gave us peace.
4. Glorification (Rom. 8:30) — He will bring to completion what He started.
Remember: predestination in Scripture is not a cold fate, but the warm embrace of the Father who "hath chosen us in Him" (Eph. 1:4).
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